A Nap May Be Like a Miracle Drug
By Tom Herrin
People don't take care of themselves as they should. It is not that they don't try, but they often end up pushing themselves too hard in an attempt to get just a little more done. The end result may be going without enough sleep and the feeling that they simply can't function as well as they should. It is fortunate that there are some simple ways to address the issue. One is to change their schedule enough to provide more sleep. When that is not possible, a nap can do a pretty good job. It can actually be a great way to supplement health.
It May Help Prevent Diabetes
Some people simply have a tendency to develop some health issues. They don't really need any help doing so. One of those that seems to be growing in this country is diabetes. According to a University of Chicago study, men who were limited to 4.5 hours of sleep per night for four nights saw an increase in fatty acids in their blood. This can cause blood sugar to increase considerably as compared to when they slept for 8.5 hours. It was concluded that these negative outcomes could be reversed if people would get enough sleep. A nap may be a great tool.
It May Help People Be More Physically Fit
According to a Stanford University study, when athletes got more sleep over a three-week period, their fitness seemed to improve. Their sprint times were faster, they had better endurance, and they had lower heart rates. Their workouts improved overall. While this is no magic formula for everyday life, it appears that a nap may boost the health picture for most people.
It May Be a Defense Against Dementia
All we have to do is look around us to see that there are lots of cases of dementia. It has become almost a national concern. When we lack enough sleep, we are not as sharp. Our focus may be affected. Some even have delusions. I know what it is like to have difficulty determining the difference between what is real and what is not when you are sleep deprived. A short nap may be able to restore that ability to function more efficiently. Don't endanger your health and safety by being too tired. Pause and take a short nap. It could protect not only you, but those around you when you are behind the wheel.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.